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Happy Thursday! This is 'Mind Your Business' by Masterminds Tampa Bay your local startup espresso – a small shot, packed with a wake-up punch.

Here’s what we have for you today:

• St. Pete launched a new accelerator for blue market businesses.

• Which startups shined at yesterday’s Synapse 2024 event

• Tampa wellness brand takes off and expands nationwide

• This VR company secured a $4M in funding

INNOVATION

St. Petersburg Ventures into Marine Tech Accelerator with Federal Support

St. Petersburg is set to launch a marine-focused business accelerator following a successful bid for planning funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce and NOAA.

The city's collaborative efforts involving Tampa Bay Wave, the St. Petersburg Innovation District, and USF St. Petersburg aim to establish the BlueTech | X Accelerator.

This initiative, which could receive between $5 million and $15 million in federal funding, seeks to nurture startups and entrepreneurs developing innovative environmental resiliency solutions for the blue economy.

The proposal underscores the region's commitment to preserving its coastlines and fostering an ecosystem conducive to marine-focused entrepreneurship. With support from various public and private institutions, including research facilities and academic expertise, St. Petersburg aims to leverage its unique position as a low-lying peninsula to address climate challenges and propel marine technology innovations.

STARTUP

Innovative Startups Shine at Synapse Summit

The Synapse Summit, held at Tampa's Amalie Arena, showcased a vibrant array of early-stage startups exhibiting their innovative products and ideas.

Among them, companies like Ultimate 3D Printing Store wowed attendees with their funky creations, while Forte3D presented the world's first 3D-printed carbon fiber cello. Space Bus Tours, Artemis Immersive XR Solutions, and Vox Scan exhibited cutting-edge technologies in space exploration and medical imaging. Kitchenery impressed with its vision for wirelessly powered kitchen appliances, while Das Infomedia and Docubee highlighted AI and software solutions for businesses. Backtrack, a venture from Kissimmee, also drew attention with its insights on securing venture capital.

The event underscored the importance of effective presentation for startups aiming to capture attention in a competitive landscape.

Masterminds Tampa Bay @ Synapse 2024

Yesterday, we had a great time during our speed networking session at Synapse 2024. it was a great success where we met up with new and familiar faces and discussed a variety of topics including AI, sustainability, tech, crypto, and more.

Did you grab one of our Synaptic Snacks?

Join The Conversation…

Let us know what you would do »

STARTUPS

Tampa Wellness Startup Expands to Nationwide Walgreens Shelves

Tampa-based startup Canviiy has achieved a significant milestone by expanding its presence to over 600 Walgreens stores nationwide.

Founded in 2014 by CEO Sherrel Sampson, Canviiy offers chemical-free scalp care products that address issues like itchiness. This expansion marks a continuation of the company's growth trajectory, reflecting its success in tapping into market demand for affordable and effective solutions.

Despite facing challenges, including disruptions due to investments, Canviiy has achieved seven figures in total lifetime revenue with consistent year-over-year growth. The company's journey underscores Sampson's vision and determination in building a successful brand focused on wellness.

TICKLE YOUR BRAIN

I'm the path less traveled, a journey so bold. No investors' purse, just resources I hold. From the ground up, I build my creation. With grit and determination, I find my salvation.

What am I?

(Pause for some deep thinking...)

NONPROFIT

Tampa VR Startup Immertec Secures $4M Series A Extension Round, Eyes Profitability

Virtual reality startup Immertec, founded by CEO Erik Maltais in 2017, has closed a $4 million Series A extension funding round, signaling a turnaround after facing significant challenges in 2023.

With this latest capital infusion, along with a $1.6 million research grant received in December, Immertec aims to achieve profitability and sustain growth. The funding, led by investor Hamilton Hunt and supported by a syndicate of 28 local and non-Florida investors, provides the company with an extended runway for over two years.

Immertec plans to focus on sales growth, expanding its client base among leading medical device manufacturing companies, and hiring additional talent..

MEME STREET

Here’s a Meme You Can Probably Relate To

WORTHY MENTIONS: UPDATES, TOOLS, RESOURCES

• 🤖 A to-do app with no tasks? Yes… and it’s a gamechanger

• ♻️ Know a local founder working on a sustainability startup? Get in touch!

• 🔎Want to spy on your competitors or create impressive brand breakdowns? This tool helps you

Riddle Answer:

Bootstrapping

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